Adjustable support bra

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein are garments providing adjustable breast support. They can be adapted to fit the shape of the body and can provide varying support to accommodate a wide variety of activities. These garments are particularly suitable for high-impact activities or nursing.

RELATED APPLICATION INFORMATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser.Nos. 61/050,553, filed on May 5, 2008; and 61/153,066, filed on Feb. 17,2009; both of which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentireties for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The present invention relates to athletic wear and undergarments forwomen. More specifically, this invention relates to a bra that providesadjustable support and that may be adapted for high impact activities,such as sports.

2. Description of the Related Art

The undergarment known as the bra has been commonly worn by womenworldwide since the early twentieth century. Bras are known to providebreast support and comfort on an everyday basis. They are also used fortheir shaping effects, and more recently, as fashion items.

Many varieties of the bra can be found in modern culture. For example,bras of the everyday variety may come in styles such as strapless,underwire, wireless, racerback, front-close, back-close, seamless,padded, push-up, demi, or balconet. Different types of bras have alsoevolved to accommodate particular uses, such as sports bras or maternitybras.

Sports bras are generally intended for athletic wear and arecharacterized by their increased level of breast support. This increasedsupport prevents excessive breast movement that often accompanies highimpact activities like sports, thus preventing breast discomfort andstretching of connective tissue. A common design of a sports bra is apull-over style with an elastic band and racerback straps. Often, sportsbras provide increased breast support and decreased breast movement bycompressing the breasts and pulling them in closer to the chest.Varieties of modern sports bras provide a range of support capability,often targeted at a particular activity. For example, less supportivesports bras may be targeted at low impact activities such as yoga, whilemore supportive sports bras may be targeted at high impact activitiessuch as running.

While many sports bras minimize breast movement, they do not provideindividualized support for each breast or to accommodate a particularwearer. The result is that a given sports bra may be ill-fitting for aparticular wearer; for some it may be too constricting, while for othersit may provide inadequate support. In addition, many sports bras do notprovide individualized support to accommodate different activities. Forexample, a sports bra that is designed to be worn during low impactactivities may not be appropriate to be worn during high impactactivities.

SUMMARY

A need exists for a garment that allows the wearer to vary the amount ofbreast support based on the wearer's body shape and activities and toenhance breast shape at the same time. Embodiments described herein aredirected to an adjustable breast support garment that can include a bandconfigured to go around a human chest; a strap configured to hold up theband when worn; a frame including an upper portion and a lower portion,the upper portion attached or configured to attach to the strap and thelower portion attached to the band; a cup including a first material andhaving an upper portion, the upper portion configured to adjustablyattach to the strap; and a lining proximal to the cup, where the liningcan include a second material that is stiffer than the first material.

Embodiments described herein are directed to a method of supporting ahuman breast, which can include placing a band around a chest of thehuman; adjusting the band to place the breast adjacent to a liningproximal to a cup attached to the band, wherein the cup can include afirst material and the lining can include a second material that isstiffer than the first material; adjusting a strap that is attached to aframe that is attached to the band on the human's body such that itassists in holding up the band; and securing an upper portion of the cupto the strap.

These and other embodiments are described in further detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an interior view of an embodiment of the garment describedherein.

FIG. 2 is an exterior view of an embodiment of the garment describedherein.

The drawings are intended to illustrate embodiments described herein andare not intended to limit the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed herein are women's garments that provide adjustable breastsupport and that may be adapted for use in high-impact activities, aswell as methods of using thereof. The adjustable breast support garmentsdescribed herein may include a band 7 configured to go around a humanchest, a strap 10 configured to hold up the band, a frame 2, a cup 3,and a lining 1, as shown in FIGS. 1-2. Examples of embodiments of thewomen's garments disclosed herein are depicted in FIGS. 1-2. Embodimentsmay be generally characterized as bras with adjustable support features,although those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate thatadditional embodiments may include other athletic-appropriate attiresuch as a tank top or camisole.

As shown in FIGS. 1-2, the garments disclosed herein may include a band7. The band 7 may be configured to go around a human chest. In someembodiments the band 7 secures the garment around the human's chest. Theband 7 may be constructed of any material that can be used for clothing,including but not limited to, cotton, polyester, spandex, rayon, modal,mesh or combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the band 7 may beconstructed entirely of mesh. In some embodiments, the band 7 furtherincludes an edging 23, as shown in FIGS. 1-2. The edging 23 may extendalong the superior and/or inferior edges of the band 7. The edging 23may be constructed from a variety of materials, such as elastic.

The band 7 may include a linear piece of material having first andsecond ends which are secured by a plurality of fasteners 8, as shown inFIGS. 1-2. The fasteners 8 may be, for example, hook and eye closures.The fasteners 8 may be constructed from a variety of materials,including but not limited to plastic and/or metal. In an embodiment, thefasteners 8 may be adapted to rest against a wearer's back. In anotherembodiment, the fasteners 8 may be adapted to rest against a wearer'schest, for example, in a front-close style. In some embodiments, thenumber of fasteners 8 provided varies depending on the size of thegarment and/or the purpose for which the garment is used. In someembodiments, the proximal surface of the band adjacent to the fasteners8 may be lined with a backing material 9, as shown in FIG. 1. In otherembodiments, the band 7 may include an approximately continuouslyconnected piece of material without fasteners.

The band 7 may include a center portion 6 between the cups 3, as shownin FIGS. 1-2. The center front portion 6 may be constructed of anymaterial that can be used for clothing, including but not limited to,cotton, polyester, spandex, rayon, modal, or combinations thereof. Insome embodiments the center front portion 6 may include two separatepieces that can be releasably attached via fasteners 8, as in afront-close style described above.

In some embodiments, the band 7 may include one or more ribs 22, asshown in FIG. 1. Advantageously, in some embodiments the rib 22 mayprovide additional breast support and reinforce the strength of thegarment. The rib 22 may be made of a stiff material such as plasticand/or metal. In some embodiments, the rib 22 may be lined with a softermaterial, such as felt. As shown in FIG. 1, the rib 22 may include alinear piece of material that runs vertically from the superior edge tothe inferior edge of the band 7. The rib 22 may be positioned at variouslocations along the band 7. For example, the rib 22 may be positionedbetween the outer edge of a cup 3 and the point at which a strap 10meets the rear portion of the band 7, as shown in FIG. 1. In someembodiments, the band 7 includes two ribs 22. Each rib 22 may bepositioned symmetrically along a portion of the band 7. Those ofordinary skill in the art may appreciate that other embodiments may notinclude a rib 22, or may include additional ribs.

The band may also include a lower support means 4. The lower supportmeans 4 may include a means for providing breast support, such as anunderwire or elastic. In some embodiments, the lower support means 4includes an underwire, as shown in FIGS. 1-2. In some embodiments, thelower support means 4 can be padded with additional material.

The garment may include a strap 10 that is configured to hold up theband 7 when worn. The strap 10 may have an adjustable length, a variablewidth, and/or a variable thickness. In some embodiments, the garment mayinclude two straps 10. Each strap 10 may extend from the top portion 11of each frame 2 to the rear portion of the band 7, such that each straptraverses a wearer's shoulder when worn. The strap 10 may have ananterior portion 19 and a posterior portion 18, as shown in FIG. 1. Theanterior portion 19 of each strap 10 may be connected to the top portion11 of a frame 2 and traverses the anterior side of the wearer's torsoand continues across the wearer's shoulder. In these embodiments theposterior portion 18 of each strap 10 is connected to the band 7 andtraverses the wearer's back. In some embodiments the strap 10 extendsfrom the top portion 11 of a frame 2 directly over the wearer's shoulderto contact the band 7. In other embodiments, the strap 10 extends fromthe top portion 11 of a frame 2 over the wearer's shoulder and acrossthe wearer's back to contact the band 7 on the opposite side of thewearer's body, such as in a cross-over or racerback manner.

In still other embodiments, the garment may include a single strap 10.In some embodiments, the strap 10 may extend from the top portion 11 ofa first frame 2 to the top portion of a second frame 2. In theseembodiments, the strap 10 may be adapted to pass behind a wearer's neck,for example as in a halter-style garment. Those of ordinary skill in theart will appreciate that a variety of other strap configurations may beused as desired.

Each strap 10 may be constructed of any material that can be used forclothing, including but not limited to, cotton, polyester, spandex,rayon, modal, plastic, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments atleast a portion of each strap 10 is constructed from a material thatincludes elastic. In some embodiments, a first portion of strap 10 mayinclude a first material and a second portion of strap 10 may include asecond material, where the first and second materials are different. Insome embodiments the posterior portion 18 of each strap 10 isconstructed of a first material that includes elastic and the anteriorportion 19 of each strap 10 is constructed of a second material.

The strap 10 may have a variable width. In some embodiments, the strap10 is widest at the portion that is intended to contact the top of awearer's shoulder. As shown in FIG. 1, the strap 10 may have an anteriorportion 19 and a posterior portion 18. In some embodiments, the anteriorportion 19 is wider than the posterior portion 18.

At least a portion of each strap 10 may be padded. For example, theanterior portion 19 of the strap 10 may be padded, as shown in FIG. 1.In other embodiments, the portion of the strap 10 that is intended tocontact the top of the wearer's shoulder is padded. Those of ordinaryskill in the art may appreciate that a padded portion of a strap 10 maybe thicker than a non-padded portion, and may result in a strap 10having a variable thickness. In some embodiments, the anterior portion19 may be padded and may be thicker than the posterior portion 18.

Each strap 10 may be adjustably attached to the top portion 11 of eachframe 2 and the band 7 by a variety of methods. In some embodiments, thestrap 10 may be sewn to the frame 2 and/or band 7. In other embodiments,the strap 10 may be configured to be attached to the frame 2 and/or band7, for example, a clip 17. In some embodiments, each strap 10 may bereadily detached and reattached by the wearer. The length of each strap10 may be adjustable in some embodiments. This may be accomplished usingany means commonly known in the art, such as configuring the strap 10 ina double loop configuration 20 that loops around a buckle 21.

Each strap 10 may include a plurality of compatible securing elements 13that are adapted to couple with a securing element 12 on the upperportion 15 of each cup 3. In some embodiments, the compatible securingelements 13 may be adjacent the anterior portion 19 of the strap 10. Thecompatible securing elements 13 are described further below and mayinclude, for example, a plurality of fabric loops, as shown in FIG. 2.

The interior view of an embodiment of the present invention is depictedin FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the garment may include a frame 2, havingan upper portion 11 and a lower portion 5. In some embodiments, theframe 2 may include a cut-out 16, as shown in FIG. 1. The cut-out 16 mayhave an outline that is at least partially curved. In some embodiments,each frame 2 may be configured approximately in an inverted “V” shape.Those of ordinary skill in the art, however, may appreciate that eachframe 2 may be configured in a variety of other shapes, such as anupside-down horseshoe or “U” shape. As shown in FIG. 1, the frame 2 mayalso have an intermediate portion 24. In some embodiments, theintermediate portion 24 may have a width that is less than the width ofthe lower portion 5. In other embodiments, the frame 2 may not have acut-out, and may have, for example, an approximately triangular shape.

The upper portion 11 of the frame 2 may be attached of configured toattach to a strap 10. The lower portion 5 of each frame 2 may beattached in at least one section to a band 7. In some embodiments, thelower portion 5 can be attached at least in part to the lower supportmeans 4. In embodiments where frame 2 includes a cut-out 16, the lowerportion 5 can be attached to the band 7 at two separate points. In someembodiments, the cut-out 16 may be bounded at least in part by the band7. The garment may include two frames 2, as shown in FIG. 1. The frames2 may be separated by a center front portion 6.

The exterior view of an embodiment of the present invention is depictedin FIG. 2. The garment may include a cup 3, which may be distal to theframe 2. In some embodiments, the garment may include two cups 3, asshown in FIG. 2. Each cup 3 may have a lower portion 14 and an upperportion 15. The lower portion 14 may be attached to the band 7. In someembodiments, the lower portion 14 may be attached to the lower supportmeans 4, as shown in FIG. 2. The upper portion 15 may be configured toadjustably attach to a strap 10. The upper portion 15 can include asecuring element 12.

Each cup 3 may be constructed of any material that can be used forclothing, including but not limited to, cotton, polyester, spandex,rayon, modal, or combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the height ofthe cup 3 may be adjustable. In other embodiments, the longitudinaltension of the cup 3 may be adjustable. For example, in an embodimentthe cup 3 may be stretchable.

The upper portion 15 of the cup 3 may include a securing element 12. Thesecuring element 12 may adjustably attach the cup 3 to the strap 10. Asdescribed previously, the strap 10 may include a compatible securingelement 13 that may be configured to couple with securing element 12. Insome embodiments, the compatible securing elements 13 are located on theanterior portion 19 of the strap 10. Examples of suitable securingelements 12 include, but are not limited to, a clip, as shown in FIG. 2,a snap, or a button. Examples of compatible securing elements 13 mayinclude, but are not limited to, a loop of fabric or other material, asshown in FIG. 2, a mating snap, or a button hole, respectively. In otherembodiments, the securing element 12 and/or compatible securing element13 may include one or more of a hook and eye closure, buckle, clasp,link, or ring. Those of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate thatother securing elements 12 and compatible securing elements 13 that areadapted to provide adjustable breast support may be used with thegarments described herein.

Although the garments described herein are generally described as havinga cup 3 with a securing element 12 and a strap 10 with a plurality ofcompatible securing elements 13, those of ordinary skill in the art mayappreciate that some embodiments may include a plurality of securingelements 12 and/or a single compatible securing element 13. For example,a garment may include a cup 3 with a plurality of securing elements 12and a strap 10 with a single compatible securing element 13. Inaddition, some embodiments may not have a securing element 12. In someof these embodiments, the upper portion 15 of the cup 3 may beconfigured to directly couple with a compatible securing element 13,such as a buckle.

The adjustable breast support garment described herein may include alining 1 proximal to the cup 3, as shown in FIG. 1. In some embodiments,the lining 1 may also be proximal to the frame 2. The lining 1 may beconstructed of any material that can be used for clothing, including butnot limited to, cotton, polyester, spandex, rayon, modal, orcombinations thereof. In some embodiments, the lining 1 is constructedof material that is stiffer than the material of the cup 3. In anembodiment, the lining 1 can be constructed of moldable material and maybe reasonably capable of holding its shape once molded. In someembodiments, the lining 1 includes a material such as canvas, felt,neoprene, modal, a non-woven interfacing material such as thoseavailable from Pellon Consumer Products Group, or any other materialsuitable for interfacing. In some embodiments, the band 7 may include alower support means 4, as shown in FIG. 1. In these embodiments, thelining 1 may be attached, at least in part, to the lower support means4. For example, when the lower support means 4 is an underwire, thelining 1 may be attached along the entire length of the underwire, orthe lining 1 may be attached to the underwire in particular segments. Insome embodiments, the lining 1 may be attached, at least in part, to theframe 2. In other embodiments, the lining 1 may not be attached to theframe 2. In some embodiments, the surface area of the lining 1 isapproximately the same as the surface area of the cup 3. In otherembodiments, the surface area of the lining 1 is smaller than thesurface area of the cup 3. In still other embodiments, the surface areaof the lining 1 is larger than the surface area of the cup 3. As shownin FIG. 1, the lining may be approximately semicircular in shape. Theheight of the lining 1 may be different than the height of the cup 3. Insome embodiments, the height of lining 1 may be less than the height ofcup 3. For example, the height of the lining 1 may be approximately ⅔the height of the cup 3. In some embodiments, the lining 1 may lieapproximately flat against the frame 2 and cup 3. In other embodiments,the lining 1 may not lie flat; for example, it may be pleated. Inanother example, the lining 1 may curve convexly away from the body, asin a hammock or sling.

Disclosed herein is a bra that provides adjustable breast support. Thelining 1 can be adapted to the shape of an individual wearer's breast,thus providing a secure fit. In some embodiments, the lining 1 is madeof a material that is stiffer than the material of the cup 3. In thoseembodiments, the lining 1 may serve to prevent excess movement of thebreast. The cup 3 also may be capable of providing adjustable breastsupport. The securing element 12 on the upper portion 15 of each cup 3may be coupled with any of the compatible securing elements 13. Theamount of breast support provided by the cup 3 may thus vary dependingon which combination of securing element 12 with compatible securingelements 13 is used. In some embodiments, a first lining 1 and/or cup 3may be adapted to the shape of one breast of the wearer, while a secondlining 1 and/or cup 3 may be adapted to the shape of the wearer's otherbreast. Advantageously, each lining 1 and/or cup 3 may be capable ofproviding individualized support per breast, in addition to providingindividualized support per wearer.

Advantageously, the garment disclosed herein may also be capable ofenhancing the shape and/or silhouette of the wearer's breasts. In someembodiments, the garment may provide support beneath the breast, thuspushing the breast upwards and outwards.

The garment that is disclosed herein may be worn in a wide variety ofsituations. It is suitable for everyday use. It is particularly suitablefor high-impact activities, such as sports, equitation, aerobics, orother athletic activities where increased breast support is desired. Insome embodiments, the anterior portion 19 of each strap 10 is wider andthicker than the posterior portion 18. Those embodiments areparticularly suitable for high-impact activities, as they provideincreased comfort and support. Additionally, the adjustable supportnature of the garment allows for a comfortable fit over a wide varietyof situations. For example, the garment can be configured to providemore breast support for high-impact activities, as well as less breastsupport for low-impact activities.

In some embodiments, each frame 2 includes a cut-out 16. In theseembodiments, the lower portion 5 of each frame 2 is attached to thelower support means 4 in two different sections. In some embodiments,the periphery of the cut-out 16 is bounded in part by the band 7 or thelower support means 4. In embodiments such as these, the garment that isdisclosed herein may be suitable for use as a nursing bra. Theadjustable support nature of the garment allows the wearer to adjust cupsize, thus providing a better fit as well as additional comfort andsupport.

Also disclosed herein are methods for supporting a human breast. Thesemethods may include placing a band 7 around a chest of a human,adjusting the band 7 to place the breast adjacent to a lining 1 proximalto a cup 3 attached to the band 7, adjusting a strap 10 that is attachedto a frame 2 to that is attached to the band 7 on the human's body suchthat it assists in holding up the band 7, and securing an upper portion15 of the cup 3 to the strap 10. The lining 1 may include a materialthat is stiffer than the material of the cup 3. In some embodiments, thelining 1 may be adjusted to adapt to the shape of the human's breast.The step of placing the band 7 around a human chest may further includecoupling a plurality of hook and eye closures on the band 7. As shown inFIG. 2, the upper portion 15 of the cup 3 may include a securing element12, and the strap 10 may include a plurality of compatible securingelements 13. In these embodiments, the step of securing an upper portion15 of the cup 3 to the strap 10 may include mating securing element 12with one of the compatible securing elements 13. In some embodiments,the securing element 12 may be selected from a clip, snap, and button.In other embodiments, the compatible securing element 13 may include afabric loop.

The various garments and methods described above provide a number ofways to carry out some preferred embodiments of the invention. Ofcourse, it is to be understood that not necessarily all objectives oradvantages described may be achieved in accordance with any particularembodiment described herein. Thus, for example, those skilled in the artwill recognize that the compositions may be made and the methods may beperformed in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or groupof advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving otherobjectives or advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

Furthermore, the skilled artisan will recognize the interchangeabilityof various features from different embodiments. Similarly, the variouscomponents, features and steps discussed above, as well as other knownequivalents for each such component, feature or step, can be mixed andmatched by one of ordinary skill in this art to make compounds andperform methods in accordance with principles described herein.

Although the invention has been disclosed in the context of someembodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in theart that the invention extends beyond these specifically disclosedembodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses and obviousmodifications and equivalents thereof. Accordingly, the invention is notintended to be limited by the specific disclosures of preferredembodiments herein.

1. An adjustable breast support garment comprising: a band configured togo around a human chest; a strap configured to hold up the band whenworn; a frame comprising an upper portion and a lower portion, saidupper portion attached or configured to attach to said strap and saidlower portion attached to said band; a cup comprising a first materialand having an upper portion, said upper portion configured to adjustablyattach to said strap; a lining proximal to said cup, said liningcomprising a second material that is stiffer than said first material.2. The adjustable breast support garment of claim 1, wherein the liningand the cup each have a height, the height of said lining being lessthan the height of said cup.
 3. The adjustable breast support garment ofclaim 1, wherein the shape of the lining is approximately semicircular.4. The adjustable breast support garment of claim 1, wherein the framecomprises a cut-out.
 5. The adjustable breast support garment of claim4, wherein the cut-out comprises an outline that is at least partiallycurved.
 6. The adjustable breast support garment of claim 4, wherein theframe comprises an approximate inverted “V” shape.
 7. The adjustablebreast support garment of claim 4, wherein the lower portion of theframe is attached to the band at two separate points.
 8. The adjustablebreast support garment of claim 7, wherein the frame further comprisesan intermediate portion having a width, wherein said width is less thana width of the lower portion of the frame.
 9. The adjustable breastsupport garment of claim 1, wherein said frame is proximal to said cup,and said lining is proximal to said frame.
 10. The adjustable breastsupport garment of claim 1, wherein said garment comprises a bra. 11.The adjustable breast support garment of claim 1, wherein said upperportion of said cup comprises a securing element.
 12. The adjustablebreast support garment of claim 11, wherein said securing elementcomprises one or more selected from the group consisting of a clip,snap, and button.
 13. The adjustable breast support garment of claim 1,wherein said upper portion of said cup is configured to adjustablyattach to said strap via a plurality of loops on said strap.
 14. Theadjustable breast support garment of claim 1, wherein said strap has avariable width.
 15. The adjustable breast support garment of claim 1,wherein said strap has an adjustable length.
 16. The adjustable breastsupport garment of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of said strap ispadded.
 17. The adjustable breast support garment of claim 1, whereinsaid band further comprises an underwire.
 18. The adjustable breastsupport garment of claim 1, wherein said band comprises a superior edgeand an inferior edge, said band further comprising at least one ribextending from said superior edge to said inferior edge.
 19. Theadjustable breast support garment of claim 18, wherein at least one ofsaid superior edge and inferior edge comprises elastic edging.
 20. Theadjustable breast support garment of claim 1, wherein said bandcomprises a plurality of fasteners.
 21. A method of supporting a humanbreast, comprising: placing a band around a chest of the human;adjusting the band to place the breast adjacent to a lining proximal toa cup attached to the band, wherein the cup comprises a first materialand the lining comprises a second material stiffer than the firstmaterial; adjusting a strap that is attached to a frame that is attachedto the band on the human's body such that it assists in holding up theband; and securing an upper portion of the cup to the strap.
 22. Themethod of claim 21, further comprising adjusting said lining to adapt tothe shape of the wearer's breast.
 23. The method of claim 21, whereinthe placing step comprises coupling a plurality of hook and eye closureson said band.
 24. The method of claim 21, wherein said upper portion ofsaid cup is secured to said strap via one or more selected from thegroup consisting of a clip, snap, and button on said upper portion. 25.The method of claim 21, wherein said upper portion of said cup issecured to said strap via a plurality of loops on said strap.